Shocking News

Chapter 2

Welcome back to Shocking News, everyone, the best place to hear all of the gossip from the past month! It’s been quite an eventful time for all of us at Hogwarts, what with Valentine's Day and all, but before I get into what has conspired these past few weeks, there are a couple important things I should address.

First, we’ve gotten a new Care of Magical Creatures professor! Everyone, please make sure to give Professor Montclam a warm welcome if you happen to pass by her hut. I’ve already had the amazing pleasure of meeting Treasure, her Niffler, who is absolutely adorable! (DON'T wear jewellery around her though...)

This time of year, staffing changes seem to be on a high! Currently, applications for new Muggle Studies and Ancient Runes professors are open. Unfortunately, Professor Everby has had to step down as History of Magic professor, so keep an eye out for the HoM application, which is coming soon! Lastly, as for PA applications, only Transfiguration is currently open.

Now, time to get into the more interesting news. As an acting reporter this month, I’ve made it my sole duty to befriend the Fat Lady—a very reliable source for all the best tea. Trust me when I say that the portraits see all and know all!

This might not sound like such a big deal, but the Hogwarts Library has taken a new approach into tackling overdue books: ghosts. If you happen to forget to return a book, one of the many Hogwarts ghosts will float around and haunt you until the book is returned. Peeves has been having more fun than usual with this new assignment, and has taken it upon himself to prank some guilty students. If you don’t want to be harassed in the bathroom by Moaning Myrtle, or lectured by the Grey Lady, I would suggest returning your books on time!

It’s time to address the horrifying—yet hilarious—love potion mix-up that occurred this month! It seems like a few students got a little too excited for Valentine’s Day this year, and accidentally brewed some very creative (and long-lasting) potions. One unfortunate Slytherin now claims to be “madly in love with a broomstick,” and a certain Ravenclaw keeps sending their affections to the Giant Squid, who, by the way, seems utterly disinterested despite its antics last May. At this time, professors are continuing to investigate the ingredients involved. Ha!

Finally, as a favour to the Fat Lady for providing me with this amazing news, I just have to issue a warning to the mysterious person who has been sneaking into the Gryffindor common room late past curfew. Apparently, you knocked over not one, but two suits of armour the other night! Not sure who you are, but keep in mind that portraits need their beauty rest too.

That’s all the news I have for you this month, readers! Flip over to The Library next to see the top book selections for this month. Au revoir!

Written by Daphne Clarke.
Edited by Hazel Antler.
Proofread by Sara Rowan.